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Administrative Modular Buildings/ Co-Working Spaces. A review

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 Uluslararası İleri Doğa
Bilimleri ve Mühendislik
Araştırmaları Dergisi
Sayı 7, S. 257-263, 3, 2023
© Telif hakkı IJANSER’e aittir
Araştırma Makalesi
International Journal of Advanced
Natural Sciences and Engineering
Researches
Volume 7, pp. 257-263, 3, 2023
Copyright © 2023 IJANSER
https://as-proceeding.com/index.php/ijanser
Research Article
ISSN: 2980-0811

Administrative Modular Buildings/ Co-Working Spaces. A review

Klodjan Xhexhi*, Ernest Shtepani2
*
Applied Research Department/Faculty of Research and Development, Polis University, Albania
2
Department of Architecture and Urbanism/Metropolitan Tirana University, Albania
1
(klodjan_xhexhi@universitetipolis.edu.al) Email of the corresponding author

(Received: 1 April 2023, Accepted: 12 April 2023)

(1st International Conference on Scientific and Innovative Studies, April 18-20, 2023)
ATIF/REFERENCE: Xhexhi, K. & Shtepani, E. (2023). Administrative Modular Buildings/ Co-Working Spaces. A review.
International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches, 7(3), 257-263.

Abstract – The paper presents an analysis of the current state of administrative modular buildings and co-
working spaces in some European countries and Latin America. The study provides an overview of the
concept of modular buildings and co-working spaces, including their history and evolution and their energy
efficiency. They also examine the benefits and drawbacks of these types of buildings, as well as the factors
that contribute to their success.
The authors analyze several case studies of administrative modular buildings and co-working spaces in
different European countries and Latin America, such as the UK, Germany, Slovakia, and Ukraine ending
with Brazil. The paper takes into consideration the design and construction of these buildings, as well as
the services and amenities they offer.
The paper also considers the impact of administrative modular buildings and co-working spaces on the
environment, as well as their potential for promoting sustainable development. The authors discuss the
challenges and opportunities associated with the development of administrative modular buildings and co-
working spaces and provide recommendations for future research in this area. Energy-efficient modular
buildings and co-working spaces have the potential to support organizations in achieving their sustainability
goals while also providing a range of benefits for employees and stakeholders.

Keywords – Administrative Modular Buildings, Co-Working Spaces; Energy Efficiency; Cost Savings; Flexibility

I. INTRODUCTION most popular building techniques worldwide right

Any construction method that makes use of
standardized parts in order to construct a structure
that is substantially larger than the parts is known as
modular architecture. The components have to be
straightforward in order to replicate and put them
together [1].
Today, the development of a nation's economy is
largely dependent on the building industry. The
construction industry is required to meet the
demands for housing proposals, administrative
buildings, infrastructure, and other operations. The
now are on-site projects. This old approach has
several drawbacks, including inefficiency, safety
issues on the job site, extended project completion
times, decreased quality, cost overruns, and
increased construction waste [2], [3].
In Europe, modular buildings are not new. Since
more than 50 years ago, it has been in use. Its quick
construction, tremendous variability, and little
environmental effect contribute to its success.
Modular structures provide the ideal response to
circumstances that require flexibility and speed [4].

257
Han Slawik, a German architect, is one of the most
well-known representatives of container
architecture in Europe and is recognized for some
successful realizations [5]. Le Corbusier's module,
which expresses the given system, is the module's
most intricate component. He combined the
convectional scale with the human scale.
Meanwhile, in so-called sandwich system
structures, the module of a modular design is made
of different materials. All of the modules that make
up the building are assembled to be the same size
[6]. Different companies that produce modular
items will adopt modular organization forms due to
the benefits of modular structures. Only a few
explicit causal models and even actual studies
support this linkage [7]. There are nonetheless
reasons to think that modular organizational models
might not be adopted. The advantages exceed the
dangers and expenses of doing so [8].
A new area of research that examines the hitherto
underappreciated expenses of planning and
sustaining a modular building benefits from
modular construction [9].
In contrast to the conventional construction process,
several of the major industrialized nations are
refocusing on novel construction techniques.
Organizational design became modular as a result of
product design modularity. Unit coupling,
independent functioning, and simple setup are all
implied by modularity.
Citizens are often served by public buildings, and
many of those services are free. There are several
types of public buildings, including post offices,
courthouses, administration buildings, public
schools, hospitals, and libraries [10].
The administrative building carries a wide range of
design vocabulary such as location, form,
functionality, circulation, etc. These factors help us
to understand them, providing interconnections
between spaces, and comfort to the visitors and staff
[11].
Governance, on the other hand, plays a crucial role
as a buyer and supplier of modular constructions
related to administrative buildings that interact over
time. Past behaviors can increase trust between
contracting partners [12].
Generally, modular administrative buildings have to
match the historical appearance of the neighborhood
when it is constructed within the city. Innovative
and unique architectural enhancements are
introduced in order to ensure the blending of the
258
building with the historical appearance of the
surrounding structures. The designing of such
structures also aims to implement highly functional
and secure interiors as well [13].
Modular architecture must respond to the needs of
the community, to the production of economically
affordable housing and administrative buildings, to
the lack of space in the city, and to an eco-friendly
way of life. Modular constructions are smart and a
comfortable solutions for today’s lifestyle [14].
II. MODULAR ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDINGS IN
NORTHERN EUROPE. A REVIEW
Modular administrative buildings have become
increasingly popular in recent years due to their
versatility, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility.
Northern Europe is a region that experiences
extreme weather conditions, which makes it
challenging to construct permanent buildings.
Therefore, modular buildings are an ideal solution
for administrative purposes in this region.
Modular administrative buildings offer several
benefits in Northern Europe. Firstly, they are
prefabricated in a controlled factory environment,
which guarantees quality control and minimizes
waste. Secondly, they are easily transportable,
which is advantageous for remote locations.
Thirdly, they are customizable, allowing them to be
adapted to different locations, purposes, and
environmental conditions. Finally, they are cost-
effective, making them an attractive option for
businesses and governments with tight budgets.
Despite the many benefits of modular
administrative buildings, there are also some
challenges to consider. One of the main challenges
is the extreme weather conditions in northern
Europe, including heavy snowfall, high winds, and
cold temperatures. Modular buildings must be
designed and built to withstand these conditions,
which may require additional insulation, ventilation,
and heating systems. Secondly, obtaining permits
for modular buildings can be challenging in some
areas due to local regulations and zoning laws.
Finally, some people may view modular buildings
as less attractive or less permanent than traditional
buildings, which may affect their overall perception
and acceptance [15].
Despite the challenges, there are many successful
examples of modular administrative buildings in
northern Europe. One such example is the modular
office building at the Port of Oslo, Norway [16]. The
building was constructed in 2016 and houses
administrative offices for the port authority. It is
designed to withstand extreme weather conditions
and is fully customizable to meet the needs of the
port authority. Another example is the modular
office building at the University of Helsinki,
Finland. The building was constructed in 2017 and
houses administrative offices for the university. It
was designed to be energy-efficient, with high-
quality insulation and ventilation systems to reduce
energy consumption [17].

Fig. 2. A. Modular dormitory structure. Kiev, Ukraine. B.

General Plan [20].

Another modular dormitory structure for 120

students was installed also in Kiev, Ukraine. The
modular building has two floors and a common
gable roof. The delivery set includes external escape
stairs as well as internal stairs [20].

Fig. 3. Modular construction of the University of

Birmingham offices [21].
Fig. 1. A. Modular office building at the Port of Oslo,
Norway [18]. B. Finnforest Modular Office. Finland [19].
A three-store modular building was installed also in
Birmingham, UK, called the University of
Birmingham’s Edgbaston Campus. New offices
were meant to accommodate University academics.
Time was the essence, but without compromising
the finishing works. The modular systems used
allowed the architects to customize the internal and
external finishes, according to the budget and
schedules. Large sections of glazing were
implemented. The resulting space benefits its
prestigious surroundings. 36 units were produced
and installed after six weeks in the factory, giving
259
the impression that the building was always been
there [21].
Modular administrative buildings offer many
benefits for businesses and governments in northern
Europe. They are cost-effective, easily
transportable, customizable, and offer high-quality
construction in a controlled factory environment.
However, challenges such as extreme weather
conditions, permit acquisition, and perception must
also be considered. Successful examples of modular
administrative buildings in northern Europe
demonstrate that these challenges can be overcome
with careful planning, design, and construction.
III. MODULAR UTILIZATION IN ADMINISTRATIVE
BUILDINGS AND THEIR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Modular buildings were first created in United
States of America. A high percentage of houses,
residential ones, were build using this method.
Meanwhile in Europe the most developed country in
this particular way is the UK, where there are
constructed a big number of primary schools,
kindergartens, administrative building and other
similar buildings.
Also, Slovakia, gets inspired by the use of modular
constructions. In addition to that, there are some
administrative buildings under construction as seen
in Figure 4. In Slovakia, school facilities are still
build using the traditional methods, which create the
problem of underutilization.
Fig. 4. Administrative modular building; source: Algeco
In addition to being employed in the construction of
hotels, stores, restaurants, and other commercial
structures, modular buildings may also be used in
the business sector. Modular buildings are
increasingly preferred by investors because of their
speed and flexibility. The building site is quiet,
clean, and air pollution is reduced, making the
process environmentally friendly [22].
Assuring both thermal comfort and electrical supply
is necessary to minimize the operational expenses of
modular buildings. Additionally, the cost of heating
260
and cooling of modular dwellings might
occasionally equal the rent. In modular structures,
direct electrical heating units are typically used for
heating, while separate air conditioners are used for
cooling. The building's energy demand is measured
by the energy needed to keep it running. The
building's whole energy use is tracked. Energy for
heating, heat-loss protection, cooling, hot water,
ventilation, lighting, and electrical appliances are
included in the overall amount of the required
energy [23].
The field placement, form, glass surfaces,
composition of the outer structures, and other
elements may have an impact on the operational
energy values. Internal heating systems, hot water
systems, air treatment and ventilation, air
conditioning, and the usage of heat gain are all
variables that may be changed in structures that have
already been built.
The Energy Performance of Modular Buildings may
be enhanced for both new and existing structures, in
accordance with Durdán et al. (2014) study. The
building's location, dimensions, form, and age must
first be determined. Secondly, also considers the
building's physical and structural state, as well as its
roof, floor, and aperture qualities. It is necessary to
study the building's technical aspects, including the
energy supply systems, their usage, and their
technical specifications, as well as the technical
aspects of heating, cooling, hot water systems, and
lighting systems. It is necessary to balance the type,
amount, and purpose of energy as well as losses in
the supply and distribution networks in order to
calculate the building's energy efficiency [24].
Each structure requires a unique set of energy
sources, that should be chosen carefully. The
technical features of the structure, its location, its
operational use, its operational hours, and other
factors must also be taken into account [25].
Renewable energies are preferred to be used as the
primary type of energy compared to traditional
energy sources. They are usually financially more
demanding; therefore, they are appreciated to be
introduced in the preliminary design phase of
modular construction [26].
Calculations are required in order to determine the
investment's payback time. The variation with the
highest internal rate of return and shortest payback
period will be the best option.
PV panel installation is crucial for the requirements
of modular constructions. Since roofs in these
situations often are covered with sandwich panels,
the weight of the roof must be taken into account as
a key component.
Fig. 5. Modular building equipped with PV system Tegola
Solar [27].
construction was a possibility. Their knowledge
indicated that the structure was a union of 34
metallic habitation modules, divided into four
groups by a hallway. Chassis, roof, pillars, and
trapezoidal steel plate for the exterior façade make
up modules. High manufacturing rates, low lead
times, reuse and mobility, flexibility, eco-
efficiency, and sustainability are the key features
and benefits of such structures. [33]

In addition to the aforementioned remarks, a

building's shape can have a significant impact on its
energy performance [28]. Another crucial factor to
take into account is the orientation of the structure.
However, in order to make the building appear more
desirable, investors frequently demand designs with
odd forms. As a result, the parameters of thermal
losses are greater if the building is fragmented [29].
The buildings which show a smaller percentage of
Fig. 6. Modular administrative building in Brazil [33]
fragmentation are the best solutions in terms of
energy consumption. The goal of the study was to identify the direct and
IV. HOW MODULAR ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDINGS CAN indirect sources of GHG emissions and categorize
CONTRIBUTE TO THE REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE them. The following factors are taken into
GAS EMISSIONS consideration: transportation, the acquisition of
necessary electricity, the generation and disposal of
One of the greatest concerns facing humanity today
solid waste, the consumption of building materials
is climate change. The United Nations Environment
used on the construction site, and the use of fossil
Program emphasized the need for immediate
fuels for transportation. The consumption of fuel by
climate action to ensure our society's standard of
stationary and mobile equipment used on building
living [30].
sites as well as transportation is included in the
The production of greenhouse gases (GHG), the use
direct greenhouse gas emissions. The production of
of fossil fuels in industry, deforestation, forest
the thermal or electrical energy utilized in its
degradation, and other factors significantly
operations is one of the indirect sources of
contribute to climate change [31].
greenhouse gas emissions. Electricity usage must be
The United Nations claims that the global
sufficient to power all of the construction site's
environmental impact of the civil construction
machinery, including lighting and equipment
industry is the highest one. This sector takes 30% of
operation. Additionally, various indirect emissions
its resources from the environment, uses 40% of the
that are a result of the company's operations are
energy, produces 25% of the solid waste, uses 25%
taken into account but are not within its control.
of the water, and consumes up to 12% of the land.
The building's construction time determines the
The construction sector may help reduce the amount
inventory. A permanent inventory that is determined
of greenhouse gas emissions released into the
on an annual basis and constitutes the GHG
environment. Therefore, in order to encourage
emissions of the project from the start of
emissions reductions, it is necessary to investigate
construction to delivery for use is required. Once
sustainable alternatives [32].
compared to direct and indirect emissions, it is
Figure 6, depicts a case study that was carried out in
shown that other indirect emissions, such as the ones
Brazil that is taken into consideration by AA Ribeiro
caused by the use of building materials throughout
and C S Guimares (2021). For the national
the execution, have the highest representativeness
museum's administration building, modular
261
and relevance. Following metallic structures
(housing modules) and hydro-sanitary facilities,
modular construction contributes mainly to
greenhouse gas emissions in the infrastructure and
superstructure stages (reinforced concrete, cement,
and steel) during various building operations.
Approximately 80% of all GHG emissions are
accounted by these phases. The interior partitions
and external closings contribute to additional GHG
emissions. The use of ceramic bricks, which
predominate over dry wall and metallic sheet
barriers in modular structures, is credited with these
emissions. The usage of mortar and cement during
construction is also credited in producing these
higher values. Steel is the main component of the
roof structure, which results in lower emissions. In
contrast, the emissions from painting vary
depending on the amount of materials utilized [33].
Fig. 7. GHG comparative analyses during construction of
administrative modular buildings [33].
V. CONCLUSION
Modular buildings and co-working spaces are viable
solutions for companies and organizations seeking
to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their
energy efficiency.
The design and construction of modular buildings
and co-working spaces can be optimized for energy
efficiency through the use of insulation, energy-
efficient lighting, and HVAC systems. The use of
renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind
turbines, and geothermal systems can further
improve the energy efficiency of these buildings.
The benefits of energy-efficient modular buildings
and co-working spaces extend beyond
environmental considerations, with potential cost
savings on energy bills, increased productivity, and
improved employee satisfaction. The success of
energy-efficient modular buildings and co-working
262
spaces is dependent on factors such as location,
design, and operational efficiency.
Further research is needed to explore the impact of
energy-efficient modular buildings and co-working
spaces on the environment, as well as their potential
to support sustainable development.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This paper is supported by Ryterna modul,
Lithuania.
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